MWBC Crop Conditions: Eyes out East
According to NASS: Minimal moisture was received across the state of Montana last week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 88 percent of Montana is abnormally dry or in a current state of drought, with about 34 percent of the state in severe to exceptional drought. Topsoil moisture conditions were 43 percent adequate to surplus, down significantly from the previous year at 88 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 38 percent adequate to surplus. Barley planted was estimated at 58 percent complete, falling slightly behind the 5-year average of 59 percent. Planting of dry edible beans progressed well this week, with an estimated 27 percent of the crop planted, behind the 5-year average of 35 percent. Durum wheat planting has progressed ahead of the previous year, with an estimated 30 percent of the crop planted. Oats planted is estimated at 31 percent complete, falling behind both the previous year and the 5-year average at 41 percent. Oilseed planting continues to progress well, with an estimated 30 percent of canola and 27 percent of flaxseed planted, both behind the 5-year averages of 35 percent and 33 percent, respectively. Spring wheat planted was reported at 53 percent complete, jumping slightly ahead of the 5-year average of 52 percent. Sugarbeet planting progressed well last week, with an estimated 43 percent of the crop planted, well behind the 5-year average of 64 percent. Winter wheat was reported with 95 percent of the crop breaking dormancy. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 49 percent good to excellent compared to 64 percent this time last year. Calving and lambing are nearing the end, with 91 percent of cows calved and 83 percent of ewes lambed.
Conditions improved by a few percentage points; planting progress jumped 20%!
Let’s dive into the significance of 20% in 1 week. For only spring wheat and barley 20% planting works out to be 840,000 acres. A typical speed of a modern air seeder is 5 mph. You can seed around 40 acres an hour. Our producers collectively were in the seeder driving for 21,000 hours this week! Not counting time, it takes to maintain the equipment, acquire seed, treat, fertilize, fuel up and facilitate the many problems that arise.
At 21,000 hours it would take you 875 days in the seeder 24hrs a day no breaks.
Eyes on Eastern Montana:
Currently the driest part of the state, we were able to take a quick trip to durum and spring wheat country. Scattered snow and rain were observed on 5/11/21 in the Scobey area. Director Adam Carney was optimistic as he finished planting. He often expressed that by choice producers must take things day by day, worrying can wear on your mental health. “talk to me in September and I will tell you how the crop is going to turn out,” Said Adam.
The best way to get real crop progress and sentiments is to get up early and go to the local diners. Sitting with the largest farmers and leaders in the Plentywood this idea was discussed: Producers in the treasure state are in the business of feeding the world. Insurance and federal programs do play a role in planting decisions, but crop rotations and quality off the field are the main driver. Our producers do not want to farm insurance, servicing our customers is their passion.
It is extremely dry, yet the ones planting and caring for the crops seem to have more optimism than the market. A few timely rains could carry the crop to harvest in dry areas.
Field days are back on! Look at the schedule CLICK HERE
If you need help sourcing wheat and barley ingredients for your business, we would love to help. We will connect you with several options that provide numerous methods of delivery. All our wheat and barley suppliers can conduct negotiations virtually to fit your country or states regulations if needed, otherwise social distancing is not a problem out here =)
-Sam Anderson
WBC@mt.gov
Montana Crop Progress 05/09/2021
Tags: Committee Updates, Industry News and Presentations and Press Releases